%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F4928%2Fimages%2Fwickedsaltyfishingchartershorizontalcolor.png&w=1200&q=100)
St. Pete's Premier Inshore Fishing Experience
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Tampa
- $500 - $700 price range
- Updated Date: October 29, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F1bda2e26-0b50-4158-baf7-c0179b853f83%2Fratecard%2F496096166_1267180208750227_5362520366712286942_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Tampa Bay's Best Catches
Tampa Bay catch & release
. Tampa’s trophy moment
Victory pose, Tampa style
Another Tampa catch landed
Foggy start, fire catch
Tampa views, hooked moods
Sunrise bites, Tampa light
Redfish rising in Tampa
Tampa snook strike success
Tampa trout on the line
Tampa Bay catch & release
. Tampa’s trophy moment
Victory pose, Tampa style
Another Tampa catch landed
Foggy start, fire catch
Tampa views, hooked moods
Sunrise bites, Tampa light
Redfish rising in Tampa
Tampa snook strike success
Tampa trout on the line
Tampa Bay catch & release
. Tampa’s trophy moment
Victory pose, Tampa style
Another Tampa catch landed
Reel in the Fun: Half-Day Tampa Bay Fishing
Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most fish-rich waters? Captain Andy's got you covered with this laid-back morning charter in St. Petersburg. Perfect for newcomers, families, or anyone looking to score some inshore action without burning a whole day, this 4-hour trip puts you right where the fish are biting in Tampa Bay. We're talking Snook, Redfish, Trout, and maybe even a shot at the legendary Silver King (that's Tarpon to you landlubbers). No experience? No problem. The captain's got all the gear, know-how, and local intel to get you hooked up.
What's the Scoop?
Here's the deal: we launch early to beat the heat and catch the fish when they're hungriest. The inshore waters around St. Pete are like nature's aquarium – calm, clear, and absolutely teeming with gamefish. Captain Andy's been fishing these waters for years, so he knows all the honey holes where the big boys hang out. Whether you're looking to bend a rod for the first time or just want a chill morning on the water with a chance at some quality catches, this trip's got you covered. And the best part? Everything's included – rods, reels, bait, and even your fishing license. Just bring your game face (and maybe some sunscreen).
How We Fish These Waters
Inshore fishing in Tampa Bay is all about versatility. We might start off drifting live bait along mangrove shorelines for Snook, then switch it up and toss artificial lures over grass flats for Trout. If the Redfish are tailing in the shallows, we'll ease in quiet as church mice and sight-cast to them. And if the Tarpon are rolling? Hold onto your hats, folks – we might just tangle with the fish of a lifetime. Captain Andy's always got a game plan, but he's quick to adapt based on what the fish are doing. You'll learn a ton about reading the water, working different baits, and the subtle arts of setting the hook and fighting fish. By the time we're done, you'll be talking like a local angler, guaranteed.
Fish Tales from Tampa Bay
No customer reviews were provided for this trip.
Tampa Bay's All-Star Lineup
Snook: These hard-fighting, silver-sided bruisers are the rock stars of Florida inshore fishing. They love to ambush prey around structure, so we'll be working docks, mangrove edges, and bridge pilings. Snook have a reputation for being finicky, but when they're on, the action can be non-stop. They're catch-and-release most of the year, but during open season, they make for some mighty fine eating.
Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored beauties are the bulldogs of the flats. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, and when they're feeding in shallow water, you can often see their tails waving above the surface. Redfish will happily munch on live bait, but there's nothing quite like watching one chase down a topwater lure. They put up a great fight and are excellent on the dinner table.
Spotted Seatrout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your typical freshwater trout. Speckled Trout are actually members of the drum family, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. They've got a mouth full of teeth (hence the nickname "gator trout" for the big ones), so we'll be using a leader. Trout are often found over grass flats, and they're suckers for a well-presented live shrimp or soft plastic lure.
Tarpon: The Silver King. The gladiator of gamefish. Hooking into one of these prehistoric beasts is like being strapped to a Harley-Davidson – they're big, they're powerful, and they love to jump. Tarpon fishing is seasonal, typically peaking in late spring and early summer when they migrate through the area. Landing one is a true feat, and even if you don't bring it to the boat, the experience of battling a tarpon is something you'll never forget.
Time to Get Salty!
Look, there's a reason they call this place the Sunshine State, and it ain't just for the weather. The fishing here in St. Petersburg is world-class, plain and simple. Whether you're a total newbie or you've been wetting a line since you could walk, this half-day trip with Captain Andy is the perfect way to experience the best of Tampa Bay's inshore action. You'll learn, you'll laugh, and if the fish gods are smiling, you might just catch the biggest fish of your life. So what are you waiting for? The tide's right, the fish are biting, and there's an empty spot on the boat with your name on it. Book your trip now and get ready to make some memories on the water. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be hooked for life!
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish are one of Tampa Bay's most sought-after inshore species. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 18-27 inches, but trophy "bull reds" over 40 inches aren't unheard of. You'll find them tailing in skinny water, often less than 2 feet deep, around oyster bars and mangroves. They're most active in fall and spring as water temps change. Redfish are famous for their powerful runs and dogged fights. Once hooked, they'll test your drag and try to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find. They're also excellent table fare, with a sweet, mild flavor. Live bait like pinfish or cut mullet works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. My go-to trick is using a gold spoon in shallow water - redfish can't resist that flash. When you see their distinctive tail breaking the surface, cast well beyond and slowly retrieve. Landing a big red is a true Tampa Bay trophy.
Sea Trout
Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them, are a Tampa Bay staple. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically run 15-20 inches, though gator trout over 24 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them over grass flats and along channel edges, usually in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Trout are great for beginners since they're abundant and eager to bite. They put up a decent fight and taste fantastic, making them popular for the dinner table. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but soft plastics and topwater lures work great too. Here's a local trick: on calm mornings, look for subtle v-wakes on the surface - that's often a trout chasing bait. Cast ahead of the wake and hold on tight. With a light touch and some finesse, you can have a blast catching these Tampa Bay favorites all day long.
Snook
Snook are one of Tampa Bay's most prized catches. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 24-36 inches and put up an incredible fight. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. They love structure and ambush prey from the shadows. Spring and fall are peak seasons as water temps change. Snook are catch-and-release only in Florida, but the thrill is in hooking one. Their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs will test your skills. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish work well, but artificial lures can be just as effective. Try walk-the-dog topwaters early morning or late evening for explosive strikes. When you hook up, keep the rod tip high and be ready to chase them down the shoreline. Landing a big snook is an accomplishment any angler can be proud of.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the silver kings of Tampa Bay, and for good reason. These prehistoric giants can top 150 pounds and put on an acrobatic show like no other fish. Look for them rolling and gulping air in deeper channels and passes, especially from late spring through summer. Tarpon migrate through our waters, so timing is key. They're not the easiest to hook, but once you're connected, hold on tight. Expect spectacular leaps and long, powerful runs that'll test your stamina and gear. Most folks practice catch and release, since they're not good eating. Live bait like threadfin herring or crabs work well, but nothing beats the thrill of a tarpon crushing a well-placed fly. My tip: when you see them rolling, cast beyond them and slowly retrieve across their path. Stay patient and persistent - landing a tarpon is a true bucket list achievement for any angler.
About the Robalo (Center console)
%2F%2Fusers%2F1bda2e26-0b50-4158-baf7-c0179b853f83%2Fboat_picture%2Fboat.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
